Franklin Co. Kanas FRANCIS P. GATES, breeder and trainer of racing horses,
P. O. Ottawa, was born in Mansfield, Ohio, March 19, 1835, and reared on a
farm. In 1857, he went to Omaha, Neb., where he remained for about seven months,
engaged in building, etc., after which he returned to his home in Ohio. In July,
1861, he enlisted in Company E, Third Ohio Cavalry; was shortly afterwards appointed
Second Lieutenant, a year later promoted to First Lieutenant, then Captain, and
in 1864, to Major of the regiment; was mustered out as Senior Major in August,
1865. In the spring of 1866, he came to Kansas, and was for about six years engaged
in trading and shipping stock between Ottawa and Kansas city. In 1872, he located in
Ottawa and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He owns 480 acres of improved land,
and in connection with his farming pursuits, he built, in 1880, a large and commodious
stable, where he makes a specialty of breeding and training blooded horses. He owns
the famous horses Red Jacket, Bluebole and Seal Skin, all with a record of less than
2:80. The Major was married in Ottawa in January 1871, to Jennie V. Bain, and they have
a family of four children.
WILLIAM B. GATES, farmer, section 20, P. O. Ottawa, was born in Mansfield, Ohio,
in 1838, and reared on a farm. After reaching the age of manhood he was for a time
employed as a commercial traveler. On September 13, 1861, he enlisted in Company E,
Third Ohio Cavalry, was promoted November 23, 1863, to Second Lieutenant, to First Lieutenant,
December 2, 1864, and to Captain on the 14th of December of the same year. He served until
mustered out August 4, 1865. He then was for a year engaged in the hardware business, at
Shelby, Ohio, after which he emigrated west to Kansas City, and engaged in livery business
in company with his brother, Francis P. Gates. In the spring of 1870 he came to Franklin County,
Kan., located at Ottawa, and was for about six years engaged in agricultural pursuits.
In 1876, he entered the employ of Emerson, Fisher & Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio, manufacturers
of carriages, etc., as a traveling salesman, in which capacity he was engaged some four
years, and in the spring of 1880 moved on to his present farm, which consists of 320 acres,
115 of which are in cultivation. Mr. Gates is also a breeder of Durham Short-horn and
Devonshire cattle, and fine horses. On his place is a good substantial residence, built
of stone, and a fine orchard. The subject of this sketch was married at Plattsmouth,
Neb., October 26, 1870, to Sarah A. Buck. They have a family of three children.